Saturday Sermon: Why Be a Christian?

We understand that He has invited each of us to come to Him and yoke ourselves to His teaching (Matthew 11:28-30), but let's consider a few reasons why we should follow Him.

In Isaiah 62:1-2, God promised to give His people a new name. We see this promise fulfilled in the New Testament when those who obeyed the gospel were called "Christians" (Acts 11:26; 26:2; 1 Peter 4:16). One reason to become a follower of Christ is so that you can wear the grandest name known to mankind, Christian.

Secondly, Jesus said, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16). This dark world needs the light of Jesus reflected by His followers. Christians must be an example to others by the way they conduct themselves (Philippians 2:15; 1 Timothy 4:12). Everyone who wears the name of Christ should strive to be kind, compassionate, selfless, benevolent, holy, loving, peaceable, hardworking, honest, pure and gentle.

Thirdly, the Holy Spirit compares Christianity to an athletic event, "know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain" (1 Corinthians 9:24). The Christian life takes even more determination and discipline than Olympic athletes display. God demands our very best, and that makes Christianity a challenge (Matthew 22:37). This is why Paul said, "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:14).

Lastly, the best reason to become a Christian is seen in 1 John 3:1, "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God." The Scriptures speak to us of the wonderful privileges of having a relationship with our Creator. As His children we can approach His throne of grace for help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16). We can draw near to Him in every circumstance and know for certain that He will draw near to us (James 4:8). Our Father has invited us to cast our cares upon Him and assured us that He cares (1 Peter 5:7). As a Christian you can have "a very present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1).

Clay Bond, with the Mid Town Church of Christ, is a licensed minister.